Whereas, lobster harvesters in the waters off Criehaven suffer substantial economic loss because trap lines are severed by boat propellers; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6448 is enacted to read:

§6448.__Propeller cages required in Criehaven waters

1.__Definition.__For the purposes of this section, "Criehaven waters" means the coastal waters around the Island of Criehaven within the following described limits:__beginning at a point at the southern end of Hogshead, so-called, following a line that runs west by north 2 nautical miles, then following a line that runs southwest by south 3 1/2 nautical miles, then following a line that runs eastsoutheast 3 nautical miles, then following a line that runs northeast 3 nautical miles, then following a line that runs to the point of beginning.

2.__Propeller cages.__It is unlawful between June 1st and October 31st for a person to operate a vessel to harvest lobsters in Criehaven waters unless that vessel's propeller is enclosed by a protective cage that prevents the cutting or damage of warps, ropes and lines associated with submerged lobster traps.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that lobster boats operated between June 1st and October 31st in Criehaven waters be equipped with protective propeller cages to prevent the cutting and damaging of warps, ropes and lines associated with lobster traps.